Multiple people dead and several injured after car drives into crowd at street festival in Vancouver

A mass casualty incident unfolded at neighbourhood block party last night, leaving several people dead.

Around 8:14pm on April 26, a man driving a SUV plowed into a crowd of people in Vancouver, Canada.

It's said that the event that was being hosted was a Filipino community festival — known as The Lapu Lapu Day festival — with an unknown amount of people in attendance.

Confirming the news of the tragic incident, Vancouver Police Department said in a social media post: "A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds."

In an update, law enforcement said that a 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene.

"The investigation is ongoing and is being led the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section," police added.

Witnesses say that the man drove 'completely straight, right through the crowd', as per BBC News.

Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of the Bao Buns food truck who was at the scene, suspected that the driver hit speeds of 100km/h (62mph).

"I think he was going for maximum damage," he continued to tell the BBC. "I just saw bodies underneath people's food trucks, and husbands crying out for their wife, or their kids, it was just horrible."

Newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has addressed the harrowing ordeal and said he was 'devastated'.

"I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening," he penned on Twitter.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you.

"We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action."

A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene (CBC News)

Elizabeth May, co-leader of Canada's Green Party, has also taken to social media, writing: "My prayers are with Vancouver and its Filipino community as we hold our breath waiting to hear more about the tragedy that took place at Lapu Lapu Day in south Vancouver tonight."

She added: "I’m horrified and heartbroken that such an attack could occur, and on an occasion celebrating Filipino culture, resilience, and resistance. I am sending my love to affected families."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].

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